Round 1 #5 Ezekial Ansah DE BYU- N/A
I honestly cannot possibly give this selection a grade. This selection is the definition of "Boom or Bust," and he will either be the best DE in football in 3 years or bouncing around the league. It will absolutely come down to coaching on this one, and considering the development of Willie Young since his selection, I think it bodes well for Ansah. However, I can't see him going from being a fringe starter at BYU to being our "Answer at DE" in his rookie season. Alternatively, I would have liked to see a trade down, I would have been more than satisfied with the deal Buffalo got for #8, giving us an addition 2nd and 3rd round draft choice.
For Year 1- C-
For beyond year 1- TBD

Round 2 #4 Darius Slay CB Mississippi State University- B+
I would have personally preferred Jamar Taylor who was somewhat more consistent and complete as a corner. However, Slay can step in and be an effective starting corner Day 1. The only thing keeping this pick from an A is his knee injury.

Round 3 #3 Larry Warford G Kentucky- A-
Decent versatility, but a lock at the starting guard spot. Good run and pass blocker and a truly complete guard. If we can bring in a quality starting RT, this grade becomes an A.

Round 4 #35 Devin Taylor DE South Carolina- B
I'm not so sure how long he would have lasted on the board, and whether or not we could have gotten him with our fifth round choice that we traded to Seattle, but is an athletic freak who had great production early in his career, but was moved around to allow for the emergence of Jadeveon Clowney.

Round 5 #32 Sam Martin P Appalachian State- F
While I advocated for drafting a specialist, I am extremely against this selection. There were better Punters on the board if we truly needed one, and perhaps better that went undrafted, that is to say that Martin would not have been undrafted. Terrible choice considering the talent still left on the board, ie Gillislee, Quesenberry, etc.

Round 6 #3 Corey Fuller WR Virginia Tech- B+
Probably will compete for our 5th receiving spot, but he has natural athleticism and is extremely raw. Could end up being a very good value for a 6th rounder.

Round 6 #31 Theo Riddick HB Notre Dame- B
I saw only bits and pieces of Riddick at ND, but he seemed like a relatively well rounded back playing against good competition in a pro style offense. Decent size and hands. Fair value for a 6th round pick, average selection.

Round 7 #5 Michael Williams TE Alabama- A
I wanted Williams around this part of the draft and mocked him to us a few times. Great blocker with capable hands who played against elite competition. Should replace Heller and be used primarily as a blocking tight end who could develop overtime into a more well rounded tight end.

Round 7 #39 Brandon Hepburn LB Florida A&M- B
I honestly don't know enough to critique this pick, but he is a bio chemistry major, so he must know enough to digest a play book.

Overall Grade- B

Re-Draft
Trade #5 to STL for 16, 46, 78, 222

16- Xavier Rhodes CB FSU

36- Menelik Watson OT FSU

46- Margus Hunt DE SMU

65- Larry Warford OG Kentucky

78- Marquise Goodwin WR Texas

132- Devin Taylor DE South Carolina

137(Originally traded to Seahawks)- Mike Gillislee HB Florida

171- Ryan Swope WR Texas A&M

211- Michael Williams TE Alabama

245- Chase Thomas OLB Stanford

Personally, I would have much preferred this Re-Draft scenario over the draft that happened over the course of the past 3 days. I can't think of anyone who could disagree with that statement, as in this scenario, better players or the same were selected at every position, and more needs were addressed._________________

I disagree with your Warford grade, and don't see how signing a RT makes it better. You are supposed to grade the pick, not the overall line. He isn't able to play two positions at once so all he should be judged on is his ability to fill the hole at RG. I had him as a top 40 prospect so was excited to get him at 65. Was easily BPA and fills a huge need so it is the only A+ pick for us.

I also disagree about Martin. He may not be well known as Allen or Wing, but he is pretty impressive. Not only will he improve our field position, but he can improve our kickoff unit if he can put the ball in the end zone. I wasn't excited about the pick because I knew nothing about him, but after a little research I am happy with it. I would give it a C+ for now, but this could easily turn out to be the most solid pick of our draft._________________

Personally, I would have much preferred this Re-Draft scenario over the draft that happened over the course of the past 3 days. I can't think of anyone who could disagree with that statement, as in this scenario, better players or the same were selected at every position, and more needs were addressed.

*Raises Hand* The re-draft isn't very good and isn't realistic at all.

St. Louis wasn't going to trade up to #5 for Tavon and they didn't need to. The trade never would have happened.

Rhodes is a boom/bust CB.
Hunt a boom/bust DE, raw, and old.
Watson a boom/bust OT that is extremely raw and might have injury issues.
Swope has major concussion issues.
Thomas is an awful fit for our defense._________________

Personally, I would have much preferred this Re-Draft scenario over the draft that happened over the course of the past 3 days. I can't think of anyone who could disagree with that statement, as in this scenario, better players or the same were selected at every position, and more needs were addressed.

*Raises Hand* The re-draft isn't very good and isn't realistic at all.

St. Louis wasn't going to trade up to #5 for Tavon and they didn't need to. The trade never would have happened.

Rhodes is a boom/bust CB.
Hunt a boom/bust DE, raw, and old.
Watson a boom/bust OT that is extremely raw and might have injury issues.
Swope has major concussion issues.
Thomas is an awful fit for our defense.

I honestly stopped reading and responded after the grades so just noticed this. I would have hated that redraft scenario. There are different players I would have taken, but that would have made me angry. I would have preffered Milliner and Carradine to Ansah and Slay I think, but am not mad either way._________________

I think that taylor possesses the all around skill set to be dynamic. Most of the draft we went with playmakers at End and in the Secondary. We had a chance to pick up a TE in the late rounds and can use him as a inline blocker and redzone threat. Riddick could be more versatile than most think.

Thought this was a solid draft. The Top three picks should start this season.
I watched some tape on Ansah and I was liking what I saw. He has great instincts, he's batted down the ball a lot and I've seen him read the qb and drop back to pick up the screen to the rb. He is raw, but if you think about it everyone at this point will be playing in a new scheme, technique wise maybe players will have an advantage, but I think he won't have a problem ( just watching the senior bowl) adjusting to the Lion's defense. Also it's the williness to learn ( which listening to him talk he seems all business)

Overall the lions addressed vacancies on their team. I won't give a grade, I'll just say I'm content with the selections. I think the Lions will be in the hunt for a playoff birth this season.

Trying to inject some youth into an old defense, and protect Cutler. It's going to get worse before it gets better. The rest of the Norse is licking their chops.

One trick pony, pass happy offense about to ground and pound the rock. If Lacy produces they'll prob be the NFC favorites to go to the Super Bowl.

Going for broke! Superbowl or bust! They're still going to miss Harvin._________________

Honestly, the only pick I was meh on was Darious Slay, but after seeing how the rest of the draft played out and reading up on him a little bit I actually am a fan of that pick now. I liked 1, 3, 4 as soon as they happened and haven't wavered on them (yet) I have no problem with with the punter, we needed one, I would have prefered the PK but whatever, I don't know much about the K in this draft and maybe there aren't any long term solutions there. Very happy about Fuller, NFL bloodlines and some excellent physical tools, what more could ask for out of a 6th round pick. THe rest of our draft is such a roll of the dice anyway, if these guys do or don't make the team, its not gonna change how I feel about this draft at all, though I do think the TE was a nice pick that has a shot to do something, don't know what._________________

[quote="LionsFTW"]I would throw my $1300 50 inch plasma in the garbage if we drafted Fairley.[quote]

The only thing I can say I had enough know-how to do differently was draft Denard Robinson with our comp pick and risk Taylor being there a few picks later. It was the right time to draft a potentially stud KR/PR and dynamic offensive role player.

I don't like the re-draft much, and agree about the trade. It's sort of silly to assume they would take that and say you would have went that route when that route was not even real._________________

Round 1 #5 Ezekial Ansah DE BYU - A-
Let's face it: the top of the draft sucked this year. If we weren't getting Fisher or Joeckel, I really didn't like our choices. Honestly, I was hoping for a trade down and getting Chance Warmack. But to be fair to Mayhew, I don't see a better pick than Ansah here. I don't like the pick, but I can't give it a bad grade because I don't see better options. The only other consideration at #5 would have been Milliner, and injury concerns and Saban-ization make me wonder if he'll excel as a pro.
My pick: Ansah

Round 2 #4 Darius Slay CB Mississippi State University- C-
Typical Lions 2nd round pick: a boom-or-bust player with injury concerns. The trouble is, they always bust. This feels just like Boss Bailery, Teddy Lehman, Louis Delmas, Broyles, etc. I don't like the pick. We needed a sure starter here, and Slay seems like a risky project. That said, he is extremely athletic and talented, and if he works out, Mayhew will look like a genius. But he needs to be starting this year.
My pick: Menelik Watson

Round 3 #3 Larry Warford G Kentucky- A
Great pick. Hard to argue with the value here, and I'm surprised he fell this far. He should start from day one and give us some much needed help on the O-Line. I really believe he should have been considered in round two, but OT is simply a much bigger need. This might be Mayhew's second good pick in round three (Levy).
My pick: Warford

Round 4 #35 Devin Taylor DE South Carolina- D
This is one of those "FIRE MAYHEW" picks. Taylor has the skills to produce, but seemed to get worse and worse throughout his college career. I know we needed help on the D-line, but another player with unfulfilled potential at the college level does not excite me. I'm fine with this pick a round or two later, but there better players on the board, IMO.
My pick: Tharold Simon

Round 5 #32 Sam Martin P Appalachian State- C+
Taking a punter in round five? At first glance, it totally sucks. And while I'm not going to say it was the best pick ever, getting a guy with a great leg--punting and kicking off--could be a huge help to our pathetic special teams. This is one of those picks that I like more and more.
My pick: Josh Evans (EDIT: realized I already took OT)

Round 6 #3 Corey Fuller WR Virginia Tech- C+
This draft just sucked for WRs. It just did. Fuller was probably the best on the board at this point, and we sure did need one. That said, should we be reaching? I don't like it. In fact, I would have preferred Riddick here, and we got him 28 picks later. That said, there were plenty of decent RBs left (better than Riddick) that I would have considered. I don't think Fuller will make the team.
My pick: Nick Kasa

Round 6 #31 Theo Riddick HB Notre Dame- B
This kid doesn't measure out well, but he's just a football player. Often used as a security blanket at ND and willing to do whatever he had to, I think this is the type of guy that you just can't cut, even though he may never be good enough to start.
My pick: Charles Johnson

Round 7 #5 Michael Williams TE Alabama- A
What is Williams still doing on the board? Oh, that's right, he's not real fast. While Williams is basically an extra lineman, he's damn good at that job, and played some H-Back too. Not a guy who's ever going to catch 60 balls, but can be a short-yardage and red zone threat. I believe he makes the team and actually plays a fair amount, filling in for Heller.
My pick: Joe Kruger

Round 7 #39 Brandon Hepburn LB Florida A&M- C
This pick seems fine after doing a bit of research.
My pick: Don Jones_________________True fans are the most miserable when their team is losing.

Round 1 #5 Ezekial Ansah DE BYU- N/A
I honestly cannot possibly give this selection a grade. This selection is the definition of "Boom or Bust," and he will either be the best DE in football in 3 years or bouncing around the league. It will absolutely come down to coaching on this one, and considering the development of Willie Young since his selection, I think it bodes well for Ansah. However, I can't see him going from being a fringe starter at BYU to being our "Answer at DE" in his rookie season. Alternatively, I would have liked to see a trade down, I would have been more than satisfied with the deal Buffalo got for #8, giving us an addition 2nd and 3rd round draft choice.
For Year 1- C-
For beyond year 1- TBD

Round 2 #4 Darius Slay CB Mississippi State University- B+
I would have personally preferred Jamar Taylor who was somewhat more consistent and complete as a corner. However, Slay can step in and be an effective starting corner Day 1. The only thing keeping this pick from an A is his knee injury.

Round 3 #3 Larry Warford G Kentucky- A-
Decent versatility, but a lock at the starting guard spot. Good run and pass blocker and a truly complete guard. If we can bring in a quality starting RT, this grade becomes an A.

Round 4 #35 Devin Taylor DE South Carolina- B
I'm not so sure how long he would have lasted on the board, and whether or not we could have gotten him with our fifth round choice that we traded to Seattle, but is an athletic freak who had great production early in his career, but was moved around to allow for the emergence of Jadeveon Clowney.

Round 5 #32 Sam Martin P Appalachian State- F
While I advocated for drafting a specialist, I am extremely against this selection. There were better Punters on the board if we truly needed one, and perhaps better that went undrafted, that is to say that Martin would not have been undrafted. Terrible choice considering the talent still left on the board, ie Gillislee, Quesenberry, etc.

Round 6 #3 Corey Fuller WR Virginia Tech- B+
Probably will compete for our 5th receiving spot, but he has natural athleticism and is extremely raw. Could end up being a very good value for a 6th rounder.

Round 6 #31 Theo Riddick HB Notre Dame- B
I saw only bits and pieces of Riddick at ND, but he seemed like a relatively well rounded back playing against good competition in a pro style offense. Decent size and hands. Fair value for a 6th round pick, average selection.

Round 7 #5 Michael Williams TE Alabama- A
I wanted Williams around this part of the draft and mocked him to us a few times. Great blocker with capable hands who played against elite competition. Should replace Heller and be used primarily as a blocking tight end who could develop overtime into a more well rounded tight end.

Round 7 #39 Brandon Hepburn LB Florida A&M- B
I honestly don't know enough to critique this pick, but he is a bio chemistry major, so he must know enough to digest a play book.

Overall Grade- B

Re-Draft
Trade #5 to STL for 16, 46, 78, 222

16- Xavier Rhodes CB FSU

36- Menelik Watson OT FSU

46- Margus Hunt DE SMU

65- Larry Warford OG Kentucky

78- Marquise Goodwin WR Texas

132- Devin Taylor DE South Carolina

137(Originally traded to Seahawks)- Mike Gillislee HB Florida

171- Ryan Swope WR Texas A&M

211- Michael Williams TE Alabama

245- Chase Thomas OLB Stanford

Personally, I would have much preferred this Re-Draft scenario over the draft that happened over the course of the past 3 days. I can't think of anyone who could disagree with that statement, as in this scenario, better players or the same were selected at every position, and more needs were addressed.

No offense, but I'm glad you weren't making the picks. I really wouldn't prefer your draft. Then again, I love our draft. I think this draft and Mayhew's first one will go down as his best ones.

People grading Martin soley onlunting are missing boat. He s a kick specialist. He does it al. His TB rate insane.

Plus u have a backup kicker if needed and its came up before

Shaw said it best on NFLN
Field position is 80% of game

Yep. I actually love the pick. I really wanted Locke going into the draft, but this kid is a good find. And Shaw was spot on. Look at our team the last couple of years. I thought and hoped we would use our 4th on one so this is even better.